``Disney's Pepper Ann'' Takes Her Quest for Coolness to Toon Disney Beginning September 2001; All-Toon Channel Debuts New Schedule Sept. 3.

Entertainment Editors & Television Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 10, 2001

Toon Disney, Disney's 24-hour all-animation network, will add the hit animated series "Disney's Pepper Ann," to the channel's schedule, announced Jonathan Barzilay, senior vice president and general manager of ABC Kids and Toon Disney.

Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, the series will make its Toon Disney premiere this fall, following its successful run as part of Disney's One Saturday Morning on the ABC Television Network.

"We are delighted to welcome Pepper Ann to Toon Disney," said Barzilay. "This critically acclaimed series' distinctive voice will add a new dimension to Toon Disney's lineup, furthering our efforts to become a first-choice destination for kids."

"Disney's Pepper Ann" joins fellow One Saturday Morning alumni, "Disney's Doug," as well as the popular preschool series "Rupert" to round out Toon Disney's brand new fall schedule, which will begin airing Labor Day weekend. Toon Disney's new schedule will continue to feature several popular programming blocks, including:

-- Magical World of Toons -- This popular daily primetime programming block
features series starring classic Disney characters such as Timon & Pumbaa,
Hercules and Aladdin, in addition to new characters like Doug and Pepper Ann.

-- Princess Power Hour -- Celebrating the tradition of princesses in the Disney
animated library, Toon Disney's Princess Power Hour features episodes of
"Aladdin" that showcase Jasmine and episodes of "The Little Mermaid" that
highlight Ariel.

-- Chillin' With The Villains -- This weekly mini-marathon of animated series
brimming with lively antagonists runs Sundays.

Pepper Ann is a spunky, quirky 12-year-old girl who has emerged center stage to star in her own animated series, "Disney's Pepper Ann." Inspired by the real-life childhood memories of series creator Sue Rose, "Disney's Pepper Ann" combines a unique style of animation with slapstick humor and a personal sensibility to which kids, and adults alike, can relate.

On an eternal quest for coolness, Pepper Ann gives us the inside scoop on life as a tween -- no longer a kid, not yet a teenager. Hailed as one of TV Guide's best new shows in its inaugural season in 1997, "Disney's Pepper Ann" earned three consecutive Parents' Choice Awards and has been placed on the Honor Roll of Children's Programming for both the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as the FCC.

It was also nominated for an Environmental Media Award and was honored by First Americans in the Arts. The series is executive produced by Sue Rose and Nahnatchka Khan and directed by Brad Goodchild.

A long-time favorite among kids, parents and critics, "Disney's Doug" follows the trials and tribulations of average kid, Doug Funnie, and his friends as they face the ups and downs of growing up. Under the creative direction of Jim Jinkins and David Campbell, "Disney's Doug" is about a regular kid dealing with real kid issues.

"Disney's Doug," a two-time Emmy(R) Award nominee, has been nominated for the prestigious Prix Jeunesse International Award overseas. In 1998, the series received a Prism Commendation, and the show was nominated for a 1999 Emmy(R) Award for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.

The series received prestigious status on the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and FCC Honor Roll of Children's Programming in 1999. In 2000, "Disney's Doug" was given the Annenberg Public Policy Center's award for Most Outstanding Educational Program on a Commercial Broadcast Station. "Disney's Doug" is a production of Jumbo Pictures Inc. in association with Walt Disney Television Animation.

Based on a classic comic strip character from London's Daily Express Newspaper, "Rupert" follows the adventures of a fun-loving, yet thoughtful little white bear. Ever since his comic strip debut 75 years ago, Rupert Bear, instantly recognized for his red sweater, yellow-checkered trousers and matching scarf, has entertained generations of loyal readers and young television audiences around the world.

Whether taming a bad-tempered dragon or foiling jewel thieves closer to home, Rupert's boundless courage and integrity make him an instant hero to both old and young alike.

Toon Disney, the 24-hour all-animation basic cable network, showcases Disney's vast library of animation from seven decades of magic with series and specials to shorts and movies, as well as a variety of acquired animated programs. Currently available in over 23 million homes, Toon Disney is a division of ABC Cable Networks Group, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Full schedule available upon request.